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Feb. 9, 2026

The Weekly Scroll of Things to Know.

 

Explore resources to help you reach your goals.

The most successful Huskies are the ones who ask for help. Our Student Life website highlights a variety of support offices on campus to help you succeed in your studies. In addition, be sure to ask your academic advisor, professors and friends for advice and support when you need it. 

Learn more about academic support.
 

Preparing for a career fair

Get ready for the All-Majors Internship and Job Fair taking place on Wednesday, Feb. 18. 

Attending a career fair is a valuable opportunity to learn about different industries, make important professional contacts, practice your interviewing skills and gain intelligence about the job market within your major and outside of it. With a little preparation and a focus on some key details, it can be a worthwhile experience.

Learn how to prepare for our career fair
 

Take Our Campus Climate Survey. Your Responses Are Anonymous.

NIU’s Campus Climate Survey being administered and analyzed by Viewfinder, LLC. is open now until March 6, 2026. The survey, which was sent to your NIU email address, will take approximately 15 minutes to complete and includes sensitive topics related to individual identities, discrimination, sexual harassment and the overall campus experience. These topics may bring about different emotions, and there are several university resources available to support you before, during or after taking the survey. 

Individuals who complete the survey can enter to win one of several prizes through a separate link shared at the end of the survey. Prizes include Huskie gear, free Qdoba chips and salsa vouchers, free Starbucks drink vouchers, tickets to NIU musical and theatre performances, enjoying a slice of pizza with university leadership, and more! 

 If you have questions, please reach out to JadeSilva Tovar, Assistant Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at equity@niu.edu. Further information can be found online. 

 

NIU seeks volunteers to help host FIRST Tech Challenge State Championship on March 7

Northern Illinois University will be a hub of robotics and STEM activity on Saturday, March 7 with the FIRST Tech Challenge Illinois Championship coming to campus.

Open and free to the public, the tournament is from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the NIU Convocation Center, 1525 W. Lincoln Highway. The event blends creativity and science, as 7th to 12th grader students apply their technical acumen, teamwork and all-around tenacity.

Learn more about the competition and register to volunteer
FIRST Robotics Competition
 

Couple and Emily Therapy Clinic Accepting New Patients

The Couple and Family Therapy Clinic located in Wirtz Hall is currently accepting new patients.

We offer long-term, low-fee therapy services for individuals and couples, provided by advanced graduate clinicians under professional supervision.

If you’ve been thinking about starting therapy or would like additional support, we encourage you to take advantage of this affordable service.

Call today for a consultation: 815-753-1684.

 

Call for Nominations for the Presidential Commission on Persons with Disabilities Awards (PCPD)

The PCPD invites nominations for the Exemplary Advocate Award for Faculty/Staff, the Exemplary Advocate Award for Community Partner, and the Gregory Long, Ph.D., Award for Excellence in Service and Leadership. Please see the Presidential Commissions Award site for more information and to access the nomination form. Nominations are being accepted through Monday, March 2, 2026.

 

Join the Northern Ambassadors

Share your NIU story as a paid Northern Ambassador with the Office of Admissions. Lead campus tours, speak on panels, and welcome prospective students and guests while gaining leadership, public speaking and customer-service experience. Flexible hours and training are provided.

Responsibilities include leading tours, supporting events, assisting with outreach and front desk/call support, and attending trainings.

Benefits include paid, on-campus employment, leadership development, networking opportunities, résumé-building and flexible scheduling.

Northern Ambassadors Hiring Workshop: Feb. 21, 2026. Apply by Feb. 19 to be invited.

Application and more information.

Questions? Contact Ethan Wybourn at ewybourn3@niu.edu.

Help shape the next generation of Huskies and apply today!

 

Student Insurance Waiver Deadline

Students taking 9 or more credit hours are automatically billed $1,378.00 for student health insurance for spring 2026. You can find more information regarding the plan on our Student Health Insurance website. 

If you have comparable insurance and would like to cancel the plan the Student Health Insurance Enrollment and Waiver site is open through Feb. 28, 2026.  You will find the link to Enroll/Waive in the blue box on our website.  This is an online process only.

Have any questions?  Email us at studentinsurance@niu.edu.  

The waiver deadline is firm; therefore, students who do not waive the student health insurance by Feb. 28 will be enrolled for annual coverage under the plan and no refund will be given.

NOTE: If you completed the insurance waiver for the Fall 2025 semester, you do not need to complete the insurance waiver for the Spring 2026 semester.

 

Planning to Graduate in May 2026? Apply by Feb. 15!

Feb. 15 is the final application deadline to be a candidate for spring (May 2026) graduation.  Log in to MyNIU, select the Academic Records tile and follow the application for graduation steps. 

Learn more and apply to graduate
 

Upcoming Events

Visit the NIU Calendar to view all upcoming events.

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  • Through Feb. 28: Black Heritage Month
  • Monday, Feb. 9: Crafting Connections
  • Tuesday, Feb. 10: Drop-In BookLab Event: Create Your Own Valentine's Day Card
  • Tuesday, Feb. 10: Throwback Tuesdays at the Huskie Den
  • Tuesday, Feb. 10: Procrastination Café
  • Tuesday, Feb. 10: Ribbon and Rose Making Workshop
  • Tuesday, Feb. 10: Huskie Den Trivia
  • Wednesday, Feb. 11: HASC SI Open House
  • Wednesday, Feb. 11: Black Sheep vs. Black G.O.A.T.
  • Wednesday, Feb. 11: Crash Out Course
  • Wednesday, Feb. 11: Men's Basketball vs Bowling Green
  • Thursday, Feb. 12: Crash Out Course
  • Thursday, Feb. 12: WorldStrides Study Abroad Presentation
  • Thursday, Feb. 12: How Quantum Is Changing Jobs, Industries and Opportunities
  • Thursday, Feb. 12: Half Price Thursdays at the Huskie Den
  • Thursday, Feb. 12: College of Business Spring Career Fair
  • Thursday, Feb.12: Accountancy/Finance Career Fair
  • Friday, Feb. 13: Friday Glow Bowl at the Huskie Den
  • Friday, Feb. 13: Skates and Dates
  • Saturday, Feb. 14: Forward, Together Forward: Moment of Reflection
  • Tuesday, March 17: Strategies for College Success: Tips from Peers & Experts
  • Wednesday, March 25: Juan Ignacio Mora
  • Tuesday, April 7: Graduate School Panel: Is Grad School for You?
  • Thursday, April 9: Michael Staudenmaier
Huskie Athletics' events
Concerts, exhibits and performances
Inclusive Excellence events
Career Services events
 

Tips from Fellow Huskies

Zoey Proper

"Managing time can be a challenging adjustment when coming to college. I make sure to color-code and organize all my assignments the day before classes start. This allows me to know each week which courses I will have to spend more time working on. This also allows me to plan when I am working on research, tutoring and activities outside of academics. I make sure to take time for myself to spend time with friends and family.."

Zoey Proper
Health sciences major

Steph Horgan

"Take advantage of all the resources offered by Career Services early and often. Don’t wait until senior year to start planning your career. Get involved now! Explore Huskie Career Launchpad to showcase your accomplishments with digital badges you can share on LinkedIn and discuss with future employers. Check out Huskies Get Hired for all internships and job postings, practice interviewing and building your résumé with Quinncia, and gain real-world experience through virtual programs on Forage. Attend career fairs, workshops and networking events to make connections and learn from professionals. The earlier you engage with Career Services, the more confident and prepared you’ll feel when it’s time to launch your career!"

Steph Horgan
Assistant Director of Employer Engagement, Career Services

 

Upcoming Deadlines

  • Friday, Feb. 13: Last day for undergraduates to request a first-half-semester course withdrawal through advisor (Spring 2026)
  • Sunday, Feb. 15: Deadline to apply for May 2026 graduation
  • Saturday, Feb. 28: Deadline to waive Student Health Insurance for Spring 2026 semester
  • Monday, March 2: Presidential Commission on Persons with Disabilities Awards nomination deadline
 

This message has been approved for distribution by the appropriate NIU party and is distributed by the Division of Enrollment Management, Marketing and Communications. NIU Mass Email Policy.

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Northern Illinois University's vision is to be an engine for innovation to advance social mobility; promote personal, professional and intellectual growth; and transform the world through research, artistry, teaching and outreach. Learn more about NIU’s vision, mission and values.